MTZ-80 is a compact tractor manufactured by the Minsk Tractor Plant, produced for decades. The car was highly popular in the Soviet Union, and is still popular in the post-Soviet space. The machine occupies a leading position in the market of small-sized tractor machines with a wheeled chassis. MTZ-80 is a legendary tractor that has received many modifications, as well as support for a wide range of attachments. Today, the equipment is in demand in the public and private sectors of the economy, and this only confirms the popularity and demand for the MTZ-80 tractor. This article presents the main advantages of the machine, as well as the capabilities and characteristics of the tractor.
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- 1 Description and purpose
- 2 Review of technical characteristics of the MTZ-80 tractor
- 3 Device
- 4 Modifications of the MTZ-80 tractor
- 5 Photos
- 6 Video review of MTZ-80 Belarus
- 7 Price of a new MTZ 80
- 8 Reviews
Description and purpose
MTZ-80 entered production in the 1970s. The car was successfully tested in 1972. The developers highly appreciated the potential of the tractor, which turned out to be suitable for all agricultural operations. We are talking about hilling, cultivating, harrowing and plowing the soil. In addition, with the help of the necessary devices, the machine was able to loosen hard virgin soil, as well as participate in planting and harvesting crops - grains, legumes and vegetables. In addition, in the public utilities sector, the tractor has become widespread in operations involving loading, unloading and towing heavy trailers. In search and rescue operations, the vehicle has established itself as an effective work vehicle for removing rubble and especially heavy concrete structures. Thus, MTZ-80 has become an excellent addition to the special equipment of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The number of attachments for the MTZ-80 tractor exceeded 230 pieces, which became an absolute record in the small class. The latest, most modern versions of the MTZ-80 could reach 35 km/h. At the moment, the Minsk Tractor Plant produces the MTZ-80.1 tractor, which is the latest modification of the legendary machine.
Device
- MTZ-80 is equipped with a four-stroke four-cylinder diesel engine D-240. This unit is economical and environmentally friendly. It has a displacement of 4.7 liters and a power of 80 horsepower. Despite the modest performance, the engine is endowed with decent traction characteristics, thanks to which it was possible to significantly increase the tractor’s off-road capabilities. In addition, the diesel engine turned out to be not only compact, but also not too heavy - only 430 kg. Thanks to this, the MTZ-80 tractor was considered one of the lightest among its competitors. In addition, some modifications were equipped with a pre-start heater PZHB-200B, which improved the endurance of the engine during startup or long hours of operation, especially in winter. In addition, the heater contributed to the instantaneous start of the engine in low-temperature conditions. The same function was assigned to the electric starter, which, as an alternative, could be replaced with a starting carburetor gasoline engine. Practice has shown that the engine is quite reliable and durable, and this circumstance made it possible to adapt the tractor to the most difficult conditions, in which not a single passenger SUV can pass. Please note that the manufacturer has provided maintenance regulations that all owners of MTZ-80 tractors must follow. According to factory recommendations, the machine is serviced at least three times - after 60 engine hours, then after 240 engine hours, and after 960 engine hours. A complete list of technical work associated with replacing parts and consumables is indicated in the user manual.
- The MTZ-80 tractor is equipped with a manual gearbox with 18 forward and 4 reverse gears, which operate clearly and smoothly, and do not emit vibrations or noise when shifting to low or high speed. As an option, you can install a creeper if the load level requires it. Of course, you can do without it if the machine is not subjected to heavy loads. In addition, updated cars after the 1985 model year received a hydraulically controlled gearbox, the main feature of which is gear shifting under load. In other words, such a transmission had the ability to switch any of four gears within one of four ranges. At the same time, the clutch remained intact. The rear wheels received a locking differential, which significantly increased geometric cross-country ability. Later versions of the MTZ-80 received hydraulic differential control, with the ability to configure it on the dashboard.
- The chassis of the MTZ-80 tractor is represented by a balanced front axle and semi-rigid suspension. A balancer bridge is necessary to replicate road unevenness, and as a result, a more comfortable ride on a relief surface. The rear uses rigid suspension. The wheel fastenings are reinforced with clamp connections on the drive axles - this feature made it possible to change the track width in a fairly wide range - within 1400-2100 mm. The front track can also be adjusted. The car received disc brakes, which are considered more effective than drum brakes. As for the steering mechanism, this structural element was equipped with hydraulic power steering, which was considered an innovative achievement in the small budget class by the standards of the 1980s. The amplifier received a standard operating principle, and from this point of view did not differ from a car power steering. Its operating principle is as follows: the oil pump is responsible for creating oil pressure in the system, and the hydraulic distributor, in turn, receives a signal from the steering wheel (via driveshafts) and directs oil to the hydraulic cylinder. Due to this, force is provided and the steering wheel turns much easier.
MTZ-80 received a cabin made of high-strength alloy. Thin-sheet steel is reinforced by spot welding, and this provides the body with additional rigidity. Special noise and heat insulation materials are used in the interior lining of the cabin to reduce the penetration of noise and drafts into the cabin. It was possible to soften vibrations and shaking with the help of four rubber shock absorbers, on which the cabin itself is fixed. To ensure good visibility, the cabin has a wide glass area, as well as front windshield wipers. Interior ventilation is ensured by opening the side vents, as well as the glass sunroof. There are two steps and a handrail on both outer sides of the cabin. The steering column and driver's seat can be adjusted so that the driver feels spacious based on his height and build. Of course, already in the basic version, the MTZ-80 tractor was equipped with autonomous heating - its installation was necessary to adapt the machine to severe frosty conditions - for example, for operation in the northern parts of the country. There is an ergonomic control panel in front of the driver's seat. All levers and instruments are located in the same way as in other MTZ tractors of those years of production. This applies to the gas, clutch and separate brake pedals, as well as the settings of the hydraulic system and power take-off. Now the car is equipped with more comfortable seats with air suspension.
Design
The design of the Minsk MTZ-82 tractor is represented by a combined system consisting of a power unit and a front semi-frame. The first is combined with the transmission housing and rear axle. This arrangement allows the device to develop high traction force. The front half-frame serves as a support for the engine and drive axle. The layout diagram for the MTZ tractor allows you to compactly place all the auxiliary equipment in the engine compartment and provide access to it for maintenance and repair.
Dimensions
Despite the high dynamic and traction performance, the representative of the 82 series has very modest dimensions. This allows it to easily maneuver in limited spaces, and also take up little space when parking in a box. Thanks to the height not exceeding 3 m, the tractor can be driven into standard truck doors. The maximum width of 2.2 m allows agricultural machinery to move on public roads without escort, which is important when using the MTZ-82 in public works.
Cabin
The first models were equipped with a small cabin. This was necessary to speed up production, reduce overall weight and facilitate repairs in limited agricultural conditions. However, excessive savings and optimization affected the operator’s comfort: there was little space in the cab, there was no heater, and there was no noise or heat insulation. Insufficient glazing made it difficult to carry out work near the tractor.
For your information!
To improve working conditions, machine operators independently made changes to the cabin layout. They installed additional wipers, larger mirrors, heaters, and lined the interior panels with felt.
In the mid-eighties, the manufacturer began to produce models with a larger cabin. The new modification took into account the experience of past years, as well as the handicraft improvements of rural machine operators. Now there is more free space in the cabin, insulation has appeared on the side panels, and a heater has begun to be installed as standard. In addition, the glass area and the size of the rear-view mirrors have increased significantly.
Optional equipment
Rear and front coupling devices allow the MTZ-82 to be aggregated with almost any agricultural implements and engineering equipment. This became possible thanks to the unification of the docking points. For agricultural work, soil-cultivating tools and devices are used to sow/plant plants and harvest crops. Log grabbers and loaders are used in forestry. In the construction and public utilities sectors, the amount of equipment used is much greater. Attachable tools allow you to clean streets, repair roads, drill wells, pump out water and much more.
Modifications of the MTZ-80 tractor
Let's consider the following modifications of the MTZ-80 tractor:
- MTZ-80 – basic rear-wheel drive tractor with a reduced cabin
- MTZ-80.1 – improved rear-wheel drive tractor with an enlarged cabin
- MTZ-82/82.1 – all-wheel drive tractor with an enlarged or small cabin (depending on the version)
- MTZ-80Х/80ХМ is a three-wheeled tractor designed for cotton cultivation. This modification is distinguished by an increased ground clearance of 650 mm, as well as a more powerful 100-horsepower D-240T engine
- MTZ-80L is a modification for forestry, intended for skidding and work related to forest restoration and fire-fighting operations. The car received a 60-horsepower engine, slightly shifted forward
- MTZ-82K is an all-wheel drive tractor with a hydraulic system for leveling and stabilizing the frame. This machine was used to work on slopes with a slope of more than 20 degrees.
High maintainability and reliable design, as well as support for a wide list of options and a variety of modifications, have made the MTZ-80 tractor the most popular small tractor in the post-Soviet space. And thanks to its good maintainability, the car could be repaired even in the field.
Advantages and disadvantages
MTZ-82 was created on the basis of an earlier model - MTZ-52. In the new design, the developers eliminated the shortcomings of its predecessor, making the tractor more powerful and versatile. Advantages of the 82 series device:
- Variability of gearbox. The use of a reduction gearbox made it possible to equip the tractor with 18 forward gears and 4 reverse gears.
- High tire pressure. Thanks to the use of stiffer tires, the stability of the vehicle on sticky soil has increased significantly.
- Two modes of operation of the power take-off shaft. In an improved design, the PTO can rotate synchronously with the engine or wheel drive. The latter is important when sowing, when the intervals between seeds depend on the distance traveled, and not on the crankshaft speed.
- Availability of 3-point hitch with hydraulic actuators. The rear trailer unit can be used to attach universal equipment designed to work together with agricultural implements.
- High torque. Manufacturers have achieved a maximum force on the output shaft of 298 N*m at a nominal speed of 2200 rpm.
- Four-wheel drive. The transmission of torque to the front wheels significantly increases the maneuverability of the vehicle.
The thoughtful design of the MTZ-82 practically eliminates its disadvantages. Mostly, operational failures occur due to improper operation, untimely maintenance or natural degradation of parts. But the availability of spare parts from the manufacturer and on the secondary market allows you to quickly repair faulty components, quickly restoring the functionality of the device.
Photo
Reviews
- Oleg, Bryansk. The best small tractor in Russia, it has all the advantages of a compact wheeled tractor, supported by a wide range of attachments that allows you to perform various agricultural work: hilling, cultivating, plowing, etc. Including, the machine is capable of harrowing and loosening the hardest virgin soil , and if necessary, you can install weights - in case the tractor does not have enough weight. The MTZ-80 tractor has been used on our farm for three years, and this is certainly not the limit. Fuel consumption is minimal, as are maintenance costs. It would seem like a sin to complain. But there are enough breakdowns - in the chassis, in the cooling system, in the wiring, and in electrical equipment. Therefore, such equipment requires care, and only in this case will the tractor please our workers.
- Pavel, St. Petersburg. Recently, the MTZ-80 tractor was decommissioned and put on display in a museum – that’s where it belongs. I had no rest from his malfunctions. The car was constantly plagued by breakdowns - and all because it was made of cheap materials. A striking example of this is the cabin, in which the noise and vibrations are almost in your eyes. Controlling the gearbox is a real pain. Shifts are unclear, with delays and vibrations. This junk should have been written off a long time ago, but the company still didn’t have the money for a worthy replacement. Now, instead of this tractor, there is a compact New Holland, which is 100 times better than the Soviet machine - both in performance, comfort, and ease of use.
Maintenance
To maintain trouble-free operation of the tractor, its components are periodically subjected to maintenance. The type of specific maintenance depends on the time intervals of operation of the MTZ-82. The manufacturer recommends carrying out three-dimensional maintenance of the device (in addition to daily):
- 60 operating hours. Wash the tractor from dirt, check the tension of the drive belts and the oil level in the engine crankcase. Lubricate the bearings at regulated points, drain the condensate from the fuel coarse filter.
- 240 hours. Change the engine oil, drain the condensate from the fine filter and fuel tanks. Clean the air filters. Check the amount of lubricant in the transmission housings (if necessary, add to the required level), and the fastening of the wheels to the hubs.
- 960 operating hours. They inspect the main components of the engine, transmission, and steering.
In addition to the numbered maintenance, the device is subject to off-season technical inspections. When transferring the tractor to winter operating mode, technical fluids designed for operation at low air temperatures are changed. Flush the fuel system to remove water condensation from the pipelines and tank. When freezing, it can clog conductive channels. The density of the electrolyte in the battery is adjusted to the winter standard, and the voltage adjustment screw is set to position “Z”.
In the spring, the insulating covers and pre-start heater are removed from the tractor. Change the engine oil to a more viscous one, intended for summer operation. The density of the electrolyte is adjusted to the seasonal norm by pouring distilled water into the battery. Fill the fuel system with summer grade diesel fuel. The antifreeze in the radiator is replaced with water.
For your information!
A complete list of routine maintenance, as well as the procedure for carrying it out, is presented in the service book or operating manual for this equipment.